There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from making something entirely from scratch, but in the age of excellent store-bought shortcuts, how do you decide what’s really worth the effort?

We’re all for time-saving hacks, but some things are simply better homemade. Here’s our take on what’s worth rolling up your sleeves for and what’s perfectly fine to buy.

Worth the Effort

1. Salad Dressings

Homemade dressings are fresher, cheaper, and take less than a minute to shake together. Once you’ve made your own classic vinaigrette or chilli and lime mayo, it’s hard to go back to the bottled stuff.

Click here for recipes to our ultimate salad dressings.

2. Stock or Bone Broth

Store-bought stocks do the job, but a homemade one adds depth and body that’s hard to beat — especially in soups, risottos, or gravies. Not to mention, it’s a brilliant way to reduce food waste.

Click here for our guide to making broths and stocks.

3. Hummus

So simple and arguably superior when homemade. Blitzing chickpeas with garlic, lemon and tahini takes all of five minutes and tastes far richer and creamier than the supermarket versions.

Click here for our go-to hummus recipe.

4. Croutons

Leftover sourdough? Don’t toss it — cube it, toss with oil and garlic, and bake until golden. You’ll never look at a bag of store-bought croutons the same way again.

5. Pastry (Sometimes)

If you’ve got the time, a classic shortcrust or rough puff is absolutely worth making. The flavour and flake factor are next-level. But for a weeknight tart? Store-bought isn’t a crime.

Click here for our sweet shortcrust pastry recipe.

Buy and Don’t Feel Bad

1. Puff Pastry

Even professionals use pre-rolled pastry. Unless you’re out to impress or love a multi-day project, the frozen stuff is more than fine. For the best result, look for a brand that uses all butter.

2. Canned Tomatoes

Sun-ripened, peeled, and packed at peak freshness — canned tomatoes are a pantry MVP. Use them for sauces, stews, soups and more without a hint of guilt.

3. Pasta (Usually)

Homemade pasta is a labour of love, and when you’ve got the time, it’s magic. But for a midweek dinner, quality dried pasta is quick, delicious and entirely acceptable.

4. Bread (Unless You’re Into It)

Sourdough from a great bakery will almost always outshine your home attempt unless you’re deeply invested in the process. If you love the ritual, go for it. If not, support your local.

Somewhere in the Middle

There are a few things that sit on the fence where homemade is incredible, but not always practical.

• Ice Cream: If you’ve got an ice cream machine and a rainy Sunday, go for it. If not? Buy the good stuff.
• Mayonnaise: Freshly made is divine, but it doesn’t keep. Use your judgement (and your schedule) and if buying, make sure to choose a good quality brand made with eggs.
• Pizza Dough: It’s easy to make and freezes well — but a quality store-bought ball or base can also do the trick in a pinch.

Making things from scratch doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Choose the things that bring you joy, taste noticeably better, or align with your values and give yourself full permission to outsource the rest.